Tatar-Bashkir Report: September 20, 2000

September 20, 2000 00:00 GMT

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Tatar-Bashkir Report: September 20, 2000

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20 September 2000

DAILY REVIEW FROM TATARSTAN

German Deputies Visit KazanA delegation of German Bundestag deputies arrived in Tatarstan to look at the republic's special status, Tatar Television reported on 19 September. At a meeting with Tatarstan's State Council chairman, Farid Mukhametshin, and republic parliamentary deputies, delegation head Karl-Heinz Hornkhus said that Tatarstan's experience in tax collection and budget disbursement, as well as the investment situation in the republic are other points of interest to the deputies. Mukhametshin noted that Germany's experience in the creation of a federal state is of great interest to the Tatar side. The German deputies were received by Kazan Mayor Kamil Iskhakov, who informed them about the economy in Tatarstan. The delegation also met with small business representatives to discuss possible cooperation and investment opportunities.

Tatarstan To Cooperate With Adenauer FundTatarstan's first deputy representative to the Russian Federation, Mikhail Stolyarov, met the head of Germany's Konrad Adenauer Fund, Gerd Bossen, on 19 September in Moscow to discuss the development of federal relations in Russia with federalism in Europe, Tatar Television reported. Bossen offered to organize in Tatarstan an international seminar devoted to federal development.

Bashkortostan To Support Small BusinessesBashkortostan's government has adopted a program to support small businesses next year, Bashinform reported on 19 September. Agro-industrial production -- including food processing, construction, municipal services, handicrafts, tourism, and waste disposal -- are listed in the program as priorities for small business development. Over 80,000 rubles are to be allocated for the program. The republican budget, the state employment fund, the Bashkir fund for support and development of small business, and extra-budget leasing means will be the main sources for funding.

Retired Military Officers Demonstrate For HousingTatarstan's retired officers picketed in front of the Cabinet of Ministers building on 18 September to demand housing, Russian media reported. Tatarstan's deputy prime minister, Ilgiz Khairullin, met the few with participants and promised that a special commission will leave soon for Moscow to seek a resolution to the problem. The program of supplying retired officers with housing is financed by the federal government. The republican budget, Khairullin said, isn't able to bear such expenses. Some 2,500 families of retired serviceman currently need housing.

Christian School Opened In ChallyThe Christian high school "Kirillitsa" was officially opened in Chally, Russian media reported on 18 September. In addition to the curriculum, the first nine students of the new educational institution will study religion, linguistics, rhetoric, and the Tatar language. Four more grades are expected to be created in the future. The Archbishop of Tatarstan and Kazan, Anastasii, blessed the opening, calling it a historical event for the republic.